Pat Cummins Ruled Out of Final Two Ashes Tests

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins will not play in the final two matches of the 2025–26 Ashes series against England as team management opts to manage his fitness after a recent back injury. With Australia already securing a 3–0 lead and retaining the famous Ashes urn, Cummins will not feature at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test) or the Sydney Cricket Ground, as part of a workload-management plan to protect his long-term fitness ahead of future tournaments, including the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Cummins had returned from a lower back issue to lead Australia in the third Test in Adelaide, where he took six wickets in an 82-run win that sealed the series for the hosts. However, with the series outcome already decided, Head Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that resting Cummins was a strategic decision aimed at reducing the risk of further injury.



Alongside Cummins, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has also been ruled out, after tearing his right hamstring on the final day of the Adelaide Test and being ruled in need of surgery.

In light of the absences, Australia have adjusted their squad for the Boxing Day Test, bringing in Jhye Richardson and Todd Murphy as replacements. Steve Smith is set to resume captaincy duties in Cummins’ absence.

Australia will aim to continue their dominant run with a refreshed lineup in the fourth and fifth Tests, but Cummins’ leadership and bowling firepower will be missed as they look to build momentum ahead of future international commitments.

 

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